Abortion Laws in Ethiopia

Is abortion legal in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia, unsafe abortions cause more than half of the 20,000 maternal deaths that occur annually. For much of Ethiopia’s modern history, safe abortion services were unavailable. In fact, abortion was only allowed when it physically put the woman’s life at risk. Motivated by the growing death toll from unsafe abortion and other related causes, advocates, providers and policymakers sought legal reform. (IPAS, 1998-2017) In 2005, the Ethiopian Parliament voted to approve a new, progressive law. Although the new Criminal Code of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia maintains the legal prohibition of abortion, it stipulates that abortion is allowed by law in the following circumstances:

When the pregnancy results from rape or incest

When continuance of the pregnancy endangers the health or life of the woman or the foetus

In cases of foetal abnormalities

For women with physical or mental disabilities

For minors who are physically or psychologically unprepared to raise a child

In the case of grave and imminent danger that can be averted only through immediate pregnancy termination.

The revised law also states that poverty and other social factors may be grounds for reducing the criminal penalty for abortion and that in cases of rape or incest, no proof is required beyond the woman’s statement that it has occurred. In addition, by allowing abortion for minors who are unprepared to raise a child, the law also marks a significant change for Ethiopia, where adolescents make up more than 45 percent of those seeking abortions.

What are the different abortion services available in Ethiopia?

Medical abortion (Cytotec, Misoprostol, Mifepristone)

Surgical abortion

Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)

Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Who can perform abortions in Ethiopia?

In Ethiopia abortion, can be performed by:

Doctor (Mostly)

Midwife

Nurse

Clinical officer trained in provision of abortion services

Where can I go for abortion services in Ethiopia?

Marie Stopes Ethiopia: MSIE provides medical and surgical abortion through its 31 centres throughout the country. MSIE is uniquely positioned to integrate FP with safe abortion services. Through offering pre- and post-abortion counselling and family planning method choice, MSIE enables women to prevent an unplanned pregnancy subsequent to an abortion.

Public health facilities: starting from health centre and above in the 3 tier Ethiopian health system( this includes health centers, primary hospitals, general hospitals and specialized hospitals) provide safe abortion service through Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

IPAS Ethiopia: As Ethiopia charts new ground with its abortion law, Ipas Ethiopia has become a regional leader in establishing safe abortion services and creating reproductive health networks. Based in Addis Ababa, Ipas Ethiopia works to expand access to high-quality comprehensive abortion care and raises awareness about preventing unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.

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If you are in need of medication abortion, you may be able to acquire abortion pills from your doctor or a midwife. If you have any questions or if you wish to purchase pills online, contact the following organization websites who offer abortion pills by mail courier:

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